Back in 2014, NCSoft owned developer Carbine Studios released their first game, an MMORPG called WildStar. While the game was a minor success, but it did go free-to-play fairly quickly. Over four year’s after WildStar’s initial launch, NCSoft has made the decision to shutter Carbine Studios, which also means WildStar will be closing soon.
Kotaku learned of the studio’s impending closure and was able to get more details on it. About fifty people will end up losing their jobs due to the fact that Carbine Studios was never able to get another project off the ground. Carbine Studios did attempt to pitch at least two concepts NCSoft, but both failed to get approval.
At this time, exact closure dates for both the in-game store and WildStar itself have not been decided upon, though NCSoft is currently building up an in-house team to do so. Those who have spent real money on WildStar since July 1, 2018, will also be refunded. You can check out NCSoft’s full statement about the matter given to Kotaku below:
“Today, we are closing Carbine Studios and will begin the process of winding WildStar down to ultimately shutter the game. WildStar players who have spent money within the game will be refunded purchases from July 1, 2018 until the payment system is shut off. We are also in the process of identifying the teams that will be doing the work to bring WildStar to a close. These decisions are very difficult to make and we are in the midst of shifting as many of our teammates as possible into other roles within the organization.”
DualShockers’ thoughts and best go out to the developers and staff at Carbine Studios. As for NCSoft, they seem to be looking forward with other studios, recently announcing a partnership with Harmonix.